Come, O Prince of Peace

By Fr. Christopher Foeckler, MJ • Phoenix, AZ

“For to us a child is born, a son is given;
and upon His shoulders dominion rests.
They shall name Him Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”  Is 9:5

The familiar verse rings out at this time of year in Handel’s Messiah and the Mass readings to announce the coming of the One who brings Peace – a Peace that the world cannot give, but His Peace promised to His followers.

 “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you;
not as the world gives do I give to you.
Do not let your hearts be troubled, not let it be fearful.  Jn 14:27

The Angelic choir announced peace to the shepherds and to all those of good will in their heavenly song as the Prince of Peace was born in Bethlehem. 

“Glory to God in the Highest and on Earth,
Peace to People of Good will.”

At the time of Jesus’ birth, the Roman Empire under Emperor Augustus was enjoying a time of peace when the temple of Mars, the god of war was closed: the “Pax Romana” (the Roman Peace). Pope Benedict XVI commented in his meditation on the Birth of Christ that, “…the peace of Christ surpasses the peace of Augustus as heaven surpasses earth.” And further, “The peace of Jesus is a peace that the world cannot give. Ultimately, the question here is what redemption, liberation and salvation actually mean. One thing is clear, though: Augustus belongs to the past, Jesus Christ on the other hand is the present and the future – He is ‘the same yesterday and today and forever’.”

The peace of Christ is a gift of our union with Him in His grace and through His mercy. Let us open our hearts to Him this Christmas, making a good preparation throughout Advent for His coming to us in Holy Communion on Christmas Day and in the contemplation of the Mystery of the Incarnation with the blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of our Lord that the Christmas season celebrates!

All of us in Miles Jesu want to wish all of you who support us and collaborate in the mission of serving the Church a very blessed and joyful Christmas celebration! May the Peace of Christ, the Prince of Peace, give you His peace, grace and love throughout the coming new year of 2021!

Merry Christmas!